Chapter 5 · the concept of “Congestion Charging” and the principle of “Efficiency First” and study the hierarchy and level of tolls of all government tolled tunnels and the

Chapter 5

Home Ownership, Liveable City

Preamble

Land is key to Hong Kong’s sustainable social and economic development. To tackle the housing problem faced by the general public, we must sustain our efforts to develop land resources. We also need to make available sufficient land for commercial and industrial developments, government and community facilities, infrastructure, open space, etc.

Land use planning and development often take more than a decade to come to fruition. We must take a multi-pronged approach and make sustained efforts to provide land. We will endeavour to continue increasing land supply. The Task Force on Land Supply completed in end-September this year a five-month public engagement exercise and is collating and analysing the public views received with a view to submitting a detailed report to the Government by the end of this year to recommend land supply strategies that are both visionary and sustainable. At the same time, to expedite the process of development approval, we have consulted the industry on the first batch of streamlining proposals. Efforts on this front will continue.

With the completion of various major infrastructure projects, Lantau will become the “Double Gateway” to the world and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area). In order to capture various competitive advantages and opportunities of Lantau and for the benefits of Hong Kong’s future, we are going to launch the “Lantau Tomorrow Vision”. The programme covers the development areas at the artificial islands near Kau Yi Chau and Hei Ling Chau

83

in the Central Waters, North Lantau as well as the coastal areas of Tuen Mun, including the River Trade Terminal and Lung Kwu Tan. It also includes new strategic transport network supporting various development areas. The programme can relieve the shortage of land supply in Hong Kong, improve living quality and add momentum to the economy of Hong Kong as a whole. The programme will also strive to conserve the precious natural and cultural resources of Lantau with an aim to achieving sustainable development.

In accordance with the framework established under the Long Term Housing Strategy, we will continue to project future housing demand, as well as adopt various measures to meet the housing supply targets and enhance the housing ladder for addressing the housing needs of families of different income groups.

We will continue to implement the six new housing initiatives announced by the Chief Executive in June 2018. These initiatives seek to make subsidised sale flats more affordable, increase the supply of subsidised housing units and enhance support for transitional housing supply, as well as encourage more timely supply of first-hand private flats.

On transport, we will continue to encourage the use of public transport services and maintain an efficient multi-modal public transport network, with railway as the backbone, complemented by other services such as buses, public light buses and taxis. We are taking forward the Shatin to Central Link project. Also, we will continue to implement the seven new railway projects under the Railway Development Strategy 2014 in an orderly manner. While further enhancing the overall transport network in the territory, we will also implement the non-means-tested Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme on 1 January 2019 to relieve the fare burden of commuters. Commuters can receive the subsidy beginning from February 2019.

84

To make more efficient use of our limited road space, we will adopt the concept of “Congestion Charging” and the principle of “Efficiency First” and study the hierarchy and level of tolls of all government tolled tunnels and the Tsing Ma and Tsing Sha Control Areas, in order to enable efficient people carriers and vehicles that support economic activities to enjoy lower tolls while vehicle types with low carrying capacity would need to pay higher tolls. We will also propose adjustments of tolls in the three road harbour crossings so as to achieve reasonable re-distribution of cross-harbour traffic. We will also continue to press ahead with the preparatory work on the Electronic Road Pricing Pilot Scheme in Central and its adjacent areas. We will continue to strive to provide car parking spaces, in particular for commercial vehicles. As land in Hong Kong is scarce, we will provide public parking spaces in suitable development projects for government facilities in line with the “Single Site, Multiple Use” principle so as to make full use of the sites. We will also continue to enhance road-based transport services in order to improve service quality and efficiency and alleviate the pressure for fare increases. In addition, we will continue the work in fostering a “pedestrian-friendly” and “bicycle-friendly” environment conducive to making “first mile” and “last mile” connections to public transport services, thereby promoting green commuting and improving roadside air quality.

As regards cross-boundary transport, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) has been completed and will soon be commissioned after years of hard work. Connecting Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the HZMB is a landmark infrastructure for the Greater Bay Area and will greatly enhance the flows of people and goods among the three places.

Following the commissioning of the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link on 22 September 2018, Hong Kong has entered into a new era of high-speed rail travel.

85


The Hong Kong Section is connected to the currently 25 000 kilometres long and ever expanding national high-speed rail network, providing direct train service from the West Kowloon Station to 44 Mainland destinations. The project not only realises the vision of “one-hour living circle” in the Pearl River Delta, but also greatly shortens the rail travelling time between Hong Kong and different regions of the Mainland, thereby bringing convenience to Hong Kong residents for their journeys.

To build a liveable city, apart from the provision of hardware such as housing and transport infrastructure, the Government will strive to boost the development of sports, arts and culture. We will continue to provide diversified and modern sports and recreational facilities and services to promote sports for all. Efforts will be made to nurture a strong sporting culture through encouraging public participation, supporting elite athletes and enhancing Hong Kong’s position as a hub for major sports events. As regards arts and culture, we will promote Chinese and local culture on the one hand and actively attract international arts and cultural activities to Hong Kong on the other. Our vision is to develop Hong Kong into an international cultural metropolis. To this end, we will proactively support the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District, establish Hong Kong’s position as a cultural hub, nurture and support the development of local arts groups and artists, and strengthen our cultural co-operation and exchanges with the Mainland as well as overseas places.

Environmental protection and conservation are closely related to the betterment of the quality of city life. Pursuing the targets and work plans mapped out in five published blueprints, the Government will take forward initiatives on air quality improvement, waste management, biodiversity, energy conservation and climate change. On air quality improvement, apart from the initiatives for reducing emissions from major air pollution sources including motor vehicles,

86

marine vessels and power plants, the road transport management and planning initiatives mentioned above, such as expanding the railway network and promoting green commuting, can also help reduce the use of vehicles and thus improve roadside air quality. The Government will also further strengthen conservation of the countryside environment, maintain the biodiversity of Hong Kong, and enhance the recreational and educational facilities and services in country parks.

87


Policy Initiatives

Developing Land ResourcesSeeking Consensus

■ The Task Force on Land Supply, having completed its five-month public engagement exercise in September 2018, has collected views from different sectors of the community on the 18 land supply options and other land supply-related issues. It targets to submit a detailed recommendation report on enhancing the overall land supply strategy and the relative priorities of different land supply options to the Government by end-2018. (DEVB)

Updating Development Strategy

■ Continue with the study on Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030 (Hong Kong 2030+) to examine the strategic planning blueprint for overall spatial planning and for land and infrastructure development of Hong Kong beyond 2030, with a view to planning for a liveable high-density city, embracing new economic challenges and opportunities, and creating capacity for sustainable growth. (DEVB)

■ Examine the possible scope and timeframe for further development in the New Territories North with reference to the findings of the Preliminary Feasibility Study on Developing the New Territories North, views received during the public consultation on the New Territories North strategic growth area as well as the technical assessments conducted within the framework of Hong Kong 2030+ and kick start the relevant preparatory work. (DEVB)

88

■ Continue with the Pilot Study on Underground Space Development in Selected Strategic Urban Areas for an in-depth assessment of the various technical considerations and implementation modes of the conceptual schemes for underground space development in Tsim Sha Tsui West, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, etc., and for subsequent public consultation in due course. (DEVB)

Urban Renewal

■ Invite the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) to examine the redevelopment of suitable sites under the Civil Servants’ Co-operative Building Society Scheme (CBS), and to utilise part of the resumed land for developing private housing following the URA’s established practice for its urban renewal projects, and partly for the development of public housing. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

■ Explore co-operation with the Hong Kong Housing Society to build dedicated rehousing estates at suitable sites in urban areas so as to provide non-means tested rehousing units to eligible households affected by government development and URA projects requiring clearance, as well as to provide rehousing option for households affected by redevelopment of CBS sites. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

89


Short to Medium-term Measures

■ A steering group has been set up under the Development Bureau to draw up proposals to streamline or improve the existing development control regime. We have consulted the Joint Sub-committee on Streamlining Development Control under the Land and Development Advisory Committee on the first batch of proposals to streamline and standardise the approval of building height and greening/landscape required. Efforts to streamline the approval arrangements proposed in the batch will continue. (DEVB)

■ The Buildings Department is spearheading the development of an Electronic Submission Hub (ESH). The ESH will not only allow the industry to submit building plans and applications electronically, but will also enable relevant authorities to process various kinds of plans and applications via the hub, thus facilitating the adoption of new technologies in processing development applications and substantially streamlining the approval process. We hope to accept electronic submission of plans and applications in phases starting from 2021/22. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

■ Pursue more vigorously the “single site, multiple use” model in multi-storey development on government land in order to consolidate and provide more Government, Institution or Community (G/IC) facilities, and make optimal use of limited land resources. Key measures include:

• the Government Property Agency will steer and take forward multi-storey development projects with cross-bureau facilities to strengthen internal co-ordination in areas such as design, development programme and funding arrangements, with a view to expediting the delivery of these facilities;

90

• the Planning Department will refine the existing arrangements regarding reservation and utilisation of government sites by tightening up the reservation of government sites by single departments and recommending a higher reference plot ratio where circumstances permit, so as to fully optimise the development potential of these sites; and

• we will pilot the new arrangement in suitable G/IC projects. Projects identified initially include redevelopment of Tuen Mun Clinic, development of a proposed ambulance depot near Sheung Wan Fire Station and consolidation of facilities on several government sites in Tsuen Wan Town Centre. (DEVB/FSTB) (New Initiative)

■ Draw up specific proposals for a “Land Sharing Pilot Scheme” to unleash the development potential of private land. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

■ Review and refine the Pilot Scheme for Arbitration on Land Premium to facilitate agreement between the Government and private land owners on land premium payable for lease modification and land exchange transactions through arbitration. (DEVB)

■ Continue to rezone more than 210 suitable sites with potential for housing development as identified in land use reviews (rezoning of some 140 sites has been completed or is in progress, while rezoning of the remaining 70 sites is to be initiated). We will also appropriately increase the development density of individual residential sites. (DEVB)

91


Energising Kowloon East

■ We are conducting a survey to better understand the profiles and needs of the business establishments in Kowloon East, and the findings are scheduled for release in early 2019. (DEVB)

■ We will commence the works project at Hoi Bun Road Park and the adjacent area in 2018 to further improve the waterfront of the Kwun Tong Business Area, and continue to take forward the improvement works of other public open spaces in Kowloon East to cater for the development needs of the area. (DEVB)

■ Continue to extend the Energising Kowloon East initiative to San Po Kong, with particular focus on enhancing connectivity, improving the environment, and promoting vibrancy and diversified development. (DEVB)

■ Review the land uses of a site at Lai Yip Street near the Kwun Tong harbourfront, which includes studying the possibility of providing space for arts, cultural and creative industries uses. (DEVB)

■ Review the future use of the land released upon the relocation of the Ngau Tau Kok Divisional Police Station, which is expected to take place around 2020. (DEVB)

■ After the public consultation on the recommendation of further increasing the residential development intensity of the Kai Tak Development Area, we have made amendments to the Kai Tak Outline Zoning Plan in accordance with the Town Planning Ordinance. (DEVB)

92

■ Keep up the efforts to facilitate transformation of Kowloon East into another attractive core business district. At present, Kowloon East has about 2.6 million square metres of commercial/office floor area, with potential to further supply another 4.4 million square metres approximately in future, bringing the total supply in the district to about 7 million square metres. We are taking forward the studies on the Kowloon Bay Action Area and Kwun Tong Action Area. The two action areas can provide about 560 000 square metres of commercial/office floor area. (DEVB)

■ Continue with the second stage of the Detailed Feasibility Study for the Environmentally Friendly Linkage System for Kowloon East to explore a feasible scheme and conduct a financial analysis. Upon completion of the study this year, we will examine the findings of the study and draw up a plan for subsequent work. (DEVB)

■ Continue to implement the concept of “walkability” in Kowloon East with a view to improving the pedestrian environment and traffic conditions. This includes finalising the detailed design for an additional footbridge near Exit B of MTR Kowloon Bay Station to enhance connectivity with the future East Kowloon Cultural Centre and nearby residential areas. In parallel, we are working on the design for the extension and face-lifting of the pedestrian subway network connecting to MTR Ngau Tau Kok Station, face-lifting of a public transport interchange and improvement of pedestrian facilities to create a comfortable walking environment for pedestrians heading for the business area and the promenade. We will continue to take forward the Back Alley Project to improve the pedestrian network. (DEVB)

93


■ To further enhance walkability in Kowloon East, we plan to commence the detailed design for a new footbridge across Kwun Tong Road near Exit A of MTR Kowloon Bay Station, and the footbridge across Wai Yip Street near Siu Yip Street. We will continue to explore the possibility of providing travelators along Lai Yip Street and Sheung Yee Road to cater for the forecast increase in pedestrian flow. (DEVB)

■ Continue to take forward a detailed consultancy study on transforming the King Yip Street nullah into a green and vibrant Tsui Ping River with environmental and landscaping upgrading of the vicinity to achieve synergy. (DEVB)

■ Select a suitable non-profit-making organisation to operate a weekend flea market on the Tourism Node site at the former airport runway tip to bring more vibrancy to the area when the site is pending land disposal, providing opportunities for participation by those who are interested, young people in particular. (DEVB)

Utilising Industrial Buildings

■ Reactivate the revitalisation scheme for industrial buildings. The measures include:

(i) with reference to the arrangement under the previous revitalisation scheme, accepting owners’ applications on a time-limited basis for wholesale conversion of aged industrial buildings with exemption of waiver fees for the change of uses under lease provisions, with a new condition that 10% of the converted floor space would be designated by applicants for specific uses prescribed by Government after the conversion;

94

(ii) as a policy direction, allowing the relaxation of the maximum permissible non-domestic plot ratio by up to 20% for redevelopment projects of pre-1987 industrial buildings located in relevant zones in Main Urban Areas and New Towns. Owners may increase the development density of the redevelopment projects subject to the relevant approval obtained from the Town Planning Board;

(The above two measures would also be applicable to existing industrial buildings located in “Industrial” zones, so as to allow owners to convert or redevelop aged industrial buildings for conventional “industrial and/or godown uses” and/or “modern industrial uses”, not just for non-industrial uses which may also be permitted under the relevant Outline Zoning Plans.)

(iii) in respect of applications for wholesale conversion of industrial buildings in the relevant zones into transitional housing, exercising flexibility in dealing with the planning and building design requirements, as well as exempting applicants from paying waiver fees for this specific use of transitional housing;

(iv) relaxing the waiver application policy on a time-limited basis to permit more uses of the arts and cultural sectors and creative industries to operate at individual units of existing industrial buildings in an orderly manner, so long as such uses are permitted under the planning regime;

95


(v) with due regard to public safety, widening the permissible uses of buffer floors to cover telecommunications exchange centres and computer/data processing centres, so as to facilitate conversion of lower floors of industrial buildings into non-industrial uses; and

(vi) promulgating a wider definition for “godown” uses under lease provisions of industrial buildings to cover cargo handling and forwarding operation, and recyclable collection centre. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

Utilising Vacant Government Sites

■ Launch a $1 billion funding scheme to support gainful uses of vacant government sites and school premises by non-governmental organisations for short-term non-profit-making community purposes. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

Medium and Long-term Measures

■ Formulate policy strategies and implementation measures aiming at accommodating in a more land-efficient manner in future some economic activities currently conducted on brownfield sites, and releasing brownfield sites for housing or other purposes. (DEVB)

■ Continue with the implementation of new development areas and new town extensions:

• pressing ahead with the implementation of the plans for the Kwu Tung North and Fanling North New Development Areas as an extension to the Fanling/Sheung Shui New Town; including making funding application for the first phase of works, initiating statutory land resumption procedures and commencing eligibility screening of the affected households and businesses for ex-gratia allowance/rehousing;

96

• pressing ahead with the implementation of the plans for the Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area as a regional hub in the North West New Territories to complement the new towns of Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long and Tuen Mun, providing housing, employment opportunities and civic facilities; and

• pressing ahead with the development of Yuen Long South as an extension to the Yuen Long New Town to meet housing and other development needs and improve the local rural environment. (DEVB)

■ Continue with the planning and engineering study for Tseung Kwan O Area 137, including exploration of residential, commercial and other suitable land uses, as well as the need for the originally reserved uses. (DEVB)

■ The investigation study, design and associated site investigation works for relocation of the Diamond Hill Fresh Water and Salt Water Service Reservoirs to caverns will commence by end-2018. Besides, we plan to commence in early 2019 the Stage 1 site preparation and main tunnel construction works for relocating the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to caverns. Feasibility studies on relocating the service reservoirs in Tsuen Wan and Yau Tong, Sai Kung Sewage Treatment Works and Sham Tseng Sewage Treatment Works to caverns are underway. We also plan to carry out a feasibility study on relocating the Public Works Central Laboratory in Kowloon Bay to caverns in order to release the existing and adjoining lands of about 0.8 hectares for housing development. (DEVB)

97


■ We have promulgated the Cavern Master Plan and the associated technical guidelines, which facilitate identification of suitable cavern sites for development by project proponents. Besides, we will continue with the technical study on underground quarrying for cavern development, and will carry out planning and engineering feasibility studies for strategic cavern areas at Lantau, Tsing Yi or other suitable locations. (DEVB)

■ Review land leases expiring in or before 2025 of sites being used for telephone exchanges or other telecommunications-related facilities and assess the need to retain these sites for their original policy uses; and study whether there is potential for development or alternative uses for sites that do not need to be retained. (CEDB/DEVB) (New Initiative)

■ We will plan for the next stage planning and engineering studies of the about 60 hectares Ma Liu Shui reclamation project, taking into consideration of its technical study findings and the public views on the local traffic capacity and proportion of new public housings. (DEVB)

Other Land Matters

■ Continue to examine the implementation of the small house policy and related matters. (DEVB)

■ Engage key stakeholders to refine the proposed amendments to the Land Titles Ordinance and actively explore the implementation of the title registration system on new land first. (DEVB)

98

Lantau Tomorrow VisionAccelerating Land Resources for Development of Liveable City

■ Strive for early commencement of the next stage of work on the development of artificial islands in the Central Waters between Hong Kong Island and Lantau, including further confirmation of the development potential of the Central Waters and conducting planning and design of the first phase of the artificial islands; and press ahead with the near-shore reclamation projects at Sunny Bay and Siu Ho Wan with a view to meeting Hong Kong's medium-to-long term needs. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

■ Adopt smart, green and resilient initiatives progressively including smart lampposts, water intelligent network, eco-shoreline design, district cooling system and sustainable urban drainage system on Lantau after their trial in the development of Tung Chung New Town Extension. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

■ Develop near carbon-neutral pilot zones on the artificial islands in the Central Waters, and explore measures, such as wider use of renewable energy, energy efficient design and technologies, green transport, higher greening ratio, more advanced recycling and waste management measures, to progress towards the long-term vision of carbon-neutral community. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

■ Continue to take forward the topside development at Siu Ho Wan Depot Site, which is estimated to provide no less than 14 000 residential units in the medium to long term and for which the statutory planning procedures are underway. The exact public-private housing ratio is under examination. The Government will follow up with the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) on various details. (DEVB)

99


Developments to be led by Transport Infrastructure

■ Take forward works for the strategic road and railway network to link up the coastal area of Tuen Mun, North Lantau, the artificial islands in the Central Waters and Hong Kong Island North, a highway parallel to the North Lantau Highway and the Lung Mun Road improvement with a view to releasing the development potential of the artificial islands in the Central Waters, reclamation at Lung Kwu Tan, Tuen Mun East and Tuen Mun West as well as driving Hong Kong’s long-term housing, economic and social developments. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

■ In view of the long-term developments in North West New Territories (NWNT), including the proposed Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area and Yuen Long South development, we need a new strategic route (Route 11) to connect NWNT and the urban areas to cope with the increase in traffic demand. At the same time, we need to improve the external connectivity of Lantau and the airport island. Route 11 will provide a third strategic access to Lantau on top of Tsing Ma Bridge and Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link, thus enhancing the robustness of the road network connecting to the airport. After funding approval by the Legislative Council in April 2018, the Government commenced a feasibility study on Route 11 to link up North Lantau and Yuen Long. (THB)

100

Creating Business Environment to Promote Economic Development

■ Invite the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to submit a development proposal for the topside development at the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, together with the Three-runway System, high value-added logistics centre at the South Cargo Precinct, SKYCITY development project, the AsiaWorld-Expo and its future Phase 2, to create a cluster of aviation-related businesses with high economic value and diversified employment opportunities at Lantau. (DEVB/THB) (New Initiative)

■ Plan the third Core Business District at the artificial islands in the Central Waters. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

■ Press ahead with the implementation of the development of Tung Chung New Town Extension for providing over 800 000 square metres of commercial floor space for office, retail and hotel development and creation of about 40 000 jobs. (DEVB)

■ Embark upon a $5 billion in-situ expansion and redevelopment of the Air Mail Centre at the Hong Kong International Airport so as to capitalise on the huge opportunities driven by the ever booming growth of cross-boundary e-commerce. (CEDB) (New Initiative)

■ Enhance our air cargo handling capacity by continuing to support the AAHK to further develop the South Cargo Precinct of the airport island to expand transshipment, cross-boundary logistics and delivery services and the handling capacity for high-value temperature-controlled goods in order to capture the opportunities brought by cross-boundary e-commerce. (THB)

101


■ Continue to support the AAHK in its SKYCITY development. According to the plan, the first phase of development includes a hotel and a facility combining retail, dining and entertainment (RDE) purposes. The hotel development is planned for completion by 2021. The RDE development is planned for completion the earliest in phases from 2023 to 2027. (THB)

■ Discuss with the AAHK how to better leverage the advantages of the existing AsiaWorld-Expo in hosting convention and exhibition (C&E) events, as well as its Phase 2 expansion plan to further increase the supply of C&E facilities in Hong Kong, so as to strengthen the competitiveness of our C&E industry. (CEDB) (New Initiative)

■ Plan to commence as soon as possible the planning and engineering study and design for the approximately 220-hectare reclamation at Lung Kwu Tan, with a view to providing land for industrial and other uses. We will also conduct a holistic regional replanning study for the land use in Tuen Mun West, covering Lung Kwu Tan, the River Trade Terminal and other adjacent areas. (DEVB)

Committed to Conserving Lantau

■ Earmark resources to set up a $1 billion Lantau Conservation Fund to promote conservation together with the community and pursue local improvement works for Lantau. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

102

■ Strengthen education to promote public awareness of the conservation of Lantau, and taking forward various appropriate countryside conservation initiatives in selected pilot areas on Lantau, such as Tai O, Shui Hau and Pui O, to support the efforts in developing and conserving Lantau. The Environment and Conservation Fund has approved funding for environmental education and community projects on nature conservation in South Lantau. Funding has also been earmarked for 2018-19 for inviting next round of applications. (ENB/DEVB)

■ Review the legislation concerned and map out more effective means to control land-filling, dumping of wastes and associated development activities causing environmental damage in areas of high ecological values at Lantau with a view to enhancing protection of the natural beauty of these areas. (DEVB/ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Explore enhancing the protection of enclaves in Lantau, including the feasibility of incorporating them into country parks. (ENB) (New Initiative)

Entertainment and Sustainable Leisure Activities

■ Press ahead Sunny Bay reclamation for providing land reserve to develop a leisure and entertainment node and other uses. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

■ Study, formulate and implement in phases the Lantau Trails and Recreation Plan to improve trail networks, increase supporting facilities, and provide diversified leisure and recreation facilities with low environmental impact. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

103


■ Promote green tourism in Lantau by enhancing supporting facilities of hiking trails and setting up visitor centres at hiking hubs such as Ngong Ping. (CEDB) (New Initiative)

Setting Up a Dedicated Co-ordination Office

■ Set up a dedicated office to steer, co-ordinate and monitor the planning and implementation of the Lantau Tomorrow Vision. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

Housing PolicyNew Initiatives in Housing

■ Press ahead with the six new housing initiatives announced by the Chief Executive in June 2018:

• based on the new pricing policy announced by the Chief Executive, the Hong Kong Housing Authority has endorsed the revision of the selling prices of flats and re-opened the application of the Sale of the Home Ownership Scheme Flats 2018; (THB)

• at the Government’s invitation, the Urban Renewal Authority has agreed to assign its non-joint venture project at Ma Tau Wai Road as a “Starter Homes” (SH) pilot project. The Ma Tau Wai Road project will provide 450 SH units which can be offered for pre-sale in December 2018 the soonest; (THB)

• nine private housing sites have been reallocated for public housing; (THB/DEVB)

• setting up a task force to facilitate the implementation of short-term community initiatives to increase the supply of transitional housing; (THB)

104

• theGovernmentplans to introduce anAmendmentBill intotheLegislativeCouncilduringthe2018-19legislativesessiontoamendtheRatingOrdinanceforimposing“SpecialRates”onvacantfirst-handprivateresidentialunits;and(THB)

• theGovernmenthasamendedtheLandsDepartmentConsentSchemetoimprovesalespracticesbyrequiringdeveloperstooffer for sale no less than 20% of the total number ofresidential units subject to the relevant pre-sale consent ateachturnofsale,regardlessofthesalesmethod.(THB/DEVB)(NewInitiative)

Long Term Housing Strategy

■ Continue to implement the Long Term Housing Strategy,including annually updating the long-term housing demandprojection andderiving a rolling ten-year housing supply targetaccordingly.(THB)

Effective Use of Public Housing Resources

■ Launch the following initiatives to make better use of publichousingresources:

• after taking into account the operational experience of theLetting Scheme for Subsidised Sale Developments withPremiumUnpaidoftheHongKongHousingSociety(HKHS),the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) will allowownersofHKHA’ssubsidisedsaleflatstosubletpartoftheirflatstofamiliesinneed;

105


• accepting HKHS’s proposal to launch a pilot “trading down” scheme where eligible owners aged 60 or above can sell their larger flat and then buy a smaller subsidised sale flat in the Secondary Market without payment of premium; and

• HKHA will introduce a new concessionary measure for under-occupied public rental housing households whereby under-occupied households with all members aged 70 or above are allowed to pay no rent for life upon transfer to smaller new or renovated flats. (THB) (New Initiative)

Increasing Supply of Subsidised Housing

■ Take forward housing construction programmes to achieve the public housing (including public rental housing (PRH) units and subsidised sale flats (SSFs)) supply target, which will be updated annually under the Long Term Housing Strategy. For SSFs, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) put up about 4 400 Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats for pre-sale in March 2018. These flats are expected to be completed between 2018 and 2020. In response to the revised SSF pricing policy announced by the Chief Executive in June 2018, the Subsidised Housing Committee of the HKHA endorsed in July 2018 the revised selling prices and sales arrangements for these flats under the new price setting mechanism, as well as the revised resale restrictions on HOS flats. HKHA has invited additional applications for these HOS flats in October 2018. (THB)

106

■ Take forward the proposed development of public housing at six government sites (including the five sites in Pok Fu Lam South and the redevelopment of Wah Fu Estate), which are expected to provide about 11 900 additional public housing units following the partial lifting of the administrative moratorium on the development of Pok Fu Lam. The site formation and infrastructure works of the five sites in Pok Fu Lam South are scheduled for commencement in 2019. The earliest batch of the reception units for the redevelopment of Wah Fu Estate is expected to be completed in 2025. (THB/DEVB)

■ The HKHA has endorsed the regularisation of the White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM), allowing White Form buyers to purchase SSFs with premium unpaid in the secondary market. The WSM, with an annual quota of 2 500, was launched in end-March 2018. (THB)

■ Ensure the effective and rational use of PRH resources by enhancing enforcement actions and publicity against tenancy abuse and continuing to implement the Well-off Tenants Policies to require PRH households whose income or assets exceed relevant prescribed limits or who own private domestic property in Hong Kong to return their PRH units, in order to focus efforts on allocating PRH resources to people with pressing housing needs. In addition, arrangements will be made for households with living space exceeding the prescribed under-occupation standards to move to other PRH units of more appropriate size, so as to recover larger units for re-allocation. (THB)

■ The HKHA has endorsed the regularisation of the Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH). The next GSH project will be launched for sale of flats in end-2018. (THB)

107


■ Continue to facilitate the Hong Kong Housing Society’s implementation of the initiative of allowing owners of SSFs with premium not yet paid to sublet part of their flats in order to help families with housing needs. (THB)

Improving Quality of Living in Public Rental Housing

■ Continue to implement the three-year programme launched in 2016 to increase the provision of recreational and associated facilities for the elderly in about 100 public rental housing estates with a higher proportion of elderly residents. The programme is expected to be completed in 2019. The Hong Kong Housing Authority will review the effectiveness of the programme and consider extending the programme to other estates in due course. (THB)

Building Maintenance and Urban Renewal

■ Regularise the Pilot Scheme on Advisory Services to Owners’ Corporations (OCs) to assist OCs in handling building management matters in accordance with the Building Management Ordinance, relevant Codes of Practice and Administrative Guidelines. (HAB) (New Initiative)

■ Launch a Pilot Scheme on Free Outreach Legal Advice Service on Building Management to assist OCs in the conduct of general meetings. (HAB) (New Initiative)

108

■ Continue to implement the Operation Building Bright 2.0 launched in July 2018 to subsidise owner-occupiers for undertaking rehabilitation works in respect of aged buildings in need of repair, and in parallel subsidise eligible owners to strengthen the fire safety measures for old composite buildings for compliance with the requirements of the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance. (DEVB/SB)

■ Collaborate with the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and government departments concerned to assist building owners to build in corruption prevention safeguards in their building maintenance projects subsidised by the Operation Building Bright 2.0 and the Fire Safety Improvement Works Subsidy Scheme, including organising briefings on corruption prevention in building maintenance for OCs, consultants and works contractors concerned. (ICAC) (New Initiative)

■ Review the implementation of the Pilot Building Management Dispute Resolution Service with a view to enhancing support for owners, OCs and residents’ organisations. (HAB)

■ Amend the Building Management Ordinance to ensure that the ordinance keeps pace with changes, encourage owners to attend OC meetings in person, and improve the traceability of the operation of OCs by enhancing its transparency, accountability and related record keeping, with a view to facilitating owners’ discharge of their responsibilities to manage their buildings properly. (HAB)

■ Follow up on the implementation of the Property Management Services Ordinance by assisting the Property Management Services Authority in implementing a licensing scheme for regulating property management services. (HAB)

109


■ Launch a $2.5 billion Lift Modernisation Subsidy Scheme to provide building owners in need with subsidies and appropriate professional support so as to encourage them to speed up lift modernisation works. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

■ Continue to enforce the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance and strengthen the audit inspections of the maintenance and examination of lifts and escalators. Meanwhile, we will, through education and publicity, continue to draw the attention of responsible persons on the need to fulfil their obligations under the ordinance and modernise their aged lifts and escalators in a timely manner to enhance their safety and reliability. (DEVB)

■ Work closely with the URA to support its implementation of redevelopment projects under a holistic and district-based approach with a view to enhancing overall planning benefits for the community. Meanwhile, we will support the URA in conducting a district planning study to explore how the efficiency of existing land use and redevelopment potential of Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok districts can be enhanced, with a view to identifying more effective and efficient ways for urban renewal as well as adopting the practical and feasible modus operandi in other districts. The study is expected to be completed in 2019. (DEVB)

Enhancing Building Safety

■ Introduce legislation for enhancing fire safety standards of old industrial buildings. (SB)

■ Conduct a consultancy study on the formulation of a set of design standards for seismic-resistant buildings, with a view to further enhancing building safety in Hong Kong. (DEVB)

110

TransportStrategic Studies on Railways and Major Roads

■ Take forward the Strategic Studies on Railways and Major Roads Beyond 2030 according to the planning directions for Hong Kong beyond 2030, so that the planning of major transport infrastructure can complement the needs arising from the overall long-term land development of Hong Kong. (THB)

Developing Railways

■ Enhance accessibility within Hong Kong according to the “centred on public transport with railway as the backbone” principle, by, inter alia, implementing the seven new railway projects under the Railway Development Strategy 2014 in an orderly manner. Having regard to the potential housing supply that may be brought about by railway development, the Government is reviewing the proposals for the Tuen Mun South Extension and Northern Link (and Kwu Tung Station) and will strive to undertake public consultation on these proposals as soon as possible. At the same time, the Government will carry on with the detailed planning for the East Kowloon Line, Tung Chung West Extension (and Tung Chung East Station) and North Island Line, and will take forward detailed planning for Hung Shui Kiu Station and the South Island Line (West). (THB)

■ Co-ordinate and oversee the construction of the Shatin to Central Link, with a view to commissioning the Tai Wai to Hung Hom Section and the Hung Hom to Admiralty Section of the Link as early as possible. (THB)

111


■ Follow up on the findings and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the diaphragm wall and platform slab construction works at the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project. (THB)

Implementing Recommended Measures under the Public Transport Strategy Study

■ Organise a multi-stakeholder exchange session in end-2018 for different stakeholders in the public transport sector to engage in meaningful discussions to rationalise their roles and to improve Hong Kong’s public transport ecosystem. (THB)

■ Continue to prepare for the launch of the pilot trials of two new types of franchised bus services, viz. new long-haul bus services providing more spacious seating and all-seater service with better facilities and fewer stops; and mid-sized single-deck buses for short-haul shuttle services in areas in the New Territories with relatively lower population density but with growth potential. We have consulted the district councils concerned on the details of the trial services and expect to introduce these trial services progressively from early 2019. (THB)

■ Continue to actively prepare for the introduction of franchised taxis and target to introduce a bill into the Legislative Council in 2018-19 to meet the new demand in the community for personalised and point-to-point public transport services. (THB)

112

Improving Road Traffic

■ Make more efficient use of road space by adopting the concept of “Congestion Charging” and the principle of “Efficiency First” and commencing a study to comprehensively review the hierarchy and level of tolls of all government tolled tunnels and the Tsing Ma and Tsing Sha Control Areas, in order to enable efficient people carriers and vehicles that support economic activities to enjoy lower tolls while vehicle types with low carrying capacity would need to pay higher tolls. (THB) (New Initiative)

■ Propose that, with effect from 1 January 2020, the actual tolls payable by private cars, taxis and motorcycles for using Western Harbour Crossing be lowered, while the corresponding tolls of Cross Harbour Tunnel and Eastern Harbour Crossing be increased at the same time, so as to achieve reasonable re-distribution of traffic among the road harbour crossings for alleviating cross-harbour traffic congestion and minimising the impact on non-cross-harbour traffic. (THB) (New Initiative)

■ Explore with public transport operators the opening up of real-time operational data for public consumption free of charge. (THB) (New Initiative)

113


■ Continue our effort to alleviate road traffic congestion by implementing other measures such as striving to make available parking spaces, in particular for commercial vehicles. Since land is scarce in Hong Kong, we will, in line with the “Single Site, Multiple Use” principle, provide public parking spaces in suitable Government, Institution and Community facilities and the basement of public open space projects so as to make full use of the sites. Subject to detailed technical assessments, there should be scope for provision of at least 1 500 public car paring spaces in suitable government facilities over the next five years. The Government will, subject to technical feasibility, strive to increase parking space provision when constructing disciplined service quarters taking fully into account the unique operational requirements of disciplined services. We will also continue to press ahead with the Electronic Road Pricing Pilot Scheme in Central and its adjacent areas with specific options for the Pilot Scheme put forward in the first half of 2019 for consulting stakeholders. (THB) (New Initiative)

■ Continue to oversee the construction of the Central-Wan Chai Bypass and the Island Eastern Corridor Link with a view to commissioning the project in late 2018/first quarter of 2019 as scheduled. (THB)

■ Oversee the construction of the Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin Tunnel (TKO-LTT) with a view to completing it in 2021. The TKO-LTT, together with the Trunk Road T2 under planning and the Central Kowloon Route (CKR) under construction, will form Route 6, which will link West Kowloon with Tseung Kwan O (TKO). (THB)

114

■ Oversee the construction of the CKR with a view to commissioning it in around 2025 to link the Yau Ma Tei Interchange in West Kowloon with Kowloon Bay and the Kai Tak Development in East Kowloon. It will enhance the capacity of major east-west road corridors in Kowloon, thus relieving traffic congestion and meeting future traffic demand. (THB)

■ Oversee the construction of the Cross Bay Link, TKO with a view to completing it in 2022 to relieve traffic congestion along Po Yap Road and in the vicinity of TKO Town Centre and to meet future traffic demand. (THB)

■ Oversee the widening of Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Section) between Sha Tin Rural Committee Road and Fo Tan Road, Sha Tin with a view to completing it in 2023 to alleviate the traffic congestion at the said road section. (THB)

■ Continue to pursue bus route rationalisation vigorously to enhance network efficiency, improve service quality, ease traffic congestion and reduce roadside air pollution. (THB)

■ Continue to enhance the service quality and operating environment of taxis through implementation of various initiatives by the Committee on Taxi Service Quality. (THB)

Monitoring MTR Corporation Limited

■ With a view to enhancing our monitoring of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) in tandem with railway development, we require the MTRCL to:

• deliver new railway projects in a cost-effective manner;

• provide safe and reliable railway services and endeavour to relieve the congestion at the MTR network during peak hours;

115


• continue to suitably respond to public views on matters related to fares, having regard to the financial viability of the MTRCL as a listed company;

• renew its railway assets in a timely manner, including continuation of the signalling system replacement works to increase the carrying capacity of the railway; and

• maintain an overall high standard of corporate governance. (THB)

Ancillary Facilities for Public Transport and Fare

■ Propose to waive the tolls of government tunnels as well as Tsing Ma and Tsing Sha Control Areas charged on franchised buses, and to pay the tolls of franchised buses using the Western Harbour Crossing by the Government, so that the relevant franchised bus operators could use such toll savings to relieve fare increase pressure in future, and to explore with the “build-operate-transfer” franchisee of Tai Lam Tunnel (TLT) on same arrangements for franchised buses using TLT. (THB) (New Initiative)

■ Enhance vibrancy of Hung Hom harbourfront through preparation for reviving the Central-Hung Hom ferry route and launching pilot “water taxi” service plying between Kai Tak, Hung Hom, Tsim Sha Tsui East, West Kowloon and Central, and through injection of commercial elements into Hung Hom (South) Pier. (THB) (New Initiative)

■ Develop a data collection system and mobile application for green minibuses, as well as install relevant devices on green minibuses for providing real-time arrival information of green minibus routes. (THB) (New Initiative)

116

■ Subsidise franchised bus operators for retrofitting appropriate safety devices on existing buses. (THB) (New Initiative)

■ Relax the vehicle length restriction on light buses, in order to facilitate the deployment of vehicles with environmental benefits and barrier-free facilities by the trade. (THB) (New Initiative)

■ The Government is discussing with franchised bus operators the proposed updates to the data adopted in the existing Fare Adjustment Arrangement. We expect to conclude the discussion and implement the updates in 2018 upon approval by the Chief Executive-in-Council. (THB)

■ In the mid-term review (in the first half of 2019) for the current three-year licence period (2017-20), the Government will review whether the special helping measures would be the most desirable long-term operation model for maintaining the financial viability of ferry services. This review will cover, inter alia, a detailed study on extending the licence duration and the feasibility of providing full subsidy to ferry operators for replacement of vessels. The objective is to ensure service quality, long-term financial sustainability of ferry operation, and a reasonable adjustment of fares. (THB)

■ Continue to take forward pilot renovation projects to enhance the design and facilities of suitable covered public transport interchanges and ferry piers with a view to providing passengers with a better waiting environment. (THB)

■ Continue to subsidise the installation of seats and bus arrival information display panels at suitable bus stops in phases by franchised bus companies for passengers’ convenience. (THB)

117


■ Continue to implement the trial scheme on low-floor wheelchair-accessible light bus service and ascertain whether it would be feasible and desirable to use this type of light buses to serve hospital routes. (THB)

■ Continue to provide subsidies to facilitate the replacement of tram tracks at key locations with new technology to provide more comfortable service for passengers and reduce the impact of track replacement works on traffic. (THB)

■ Implement the non-means tested Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme on 1 January 2019 to relieve the fare burden of commuters. Commuters can receive the subsidy beginning from February 2019. (THB)

Marine Safety

■ Implement the improvement measures regarding the regulatory regime on local passenger-carrying vessels to enhance marine safety. We will continue to follow up the recommendations in the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Collision of Vessels near Lamma Island on 1 October 2012. (THB)

118

Improving Pedestrian Environment

■ Apart from continuing the implementation of the on-going projects to retrofit barrier-free access facilities under the Universal Accessibility Programme, we will commence a feasibility study in the first half of 2019 on lift retrofitting proposals at the remaining some 120 eligible walkways across various districts with a view to taking forward those feasible items expeditiously so as to benefit the elderly and people in need. The Government will also conduct a review in 2019 to explore whether there is any scope for further expansion of the Universal Accessibility Programme. (THB) (New Initiative)

■ Continue with the arrangement of waiving the land premium for lease modification to encourage private landowners to construct footbridges or subways at their own cost. (DEVB)

■ Continue to promote Walk in HK with a view to fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment by:

• relaxing existing standards stipulated in the Transport Planning and Design Manual for adding covers to walkways, and providing covers on certain walkways connecting to public transport facilities progressively;

• studying and testing out innovative measures in two pilot areas (namely, Central and Sham Shui Po) for a comfortable walking environment;

• continuing to enhance pedestrian wayfinding system having regard to the experience gained from the pilot system launched in Tsim Sha Tsui;

119


• extending the coverage of the walking route search function under the Transport Department’s integrated mobile application “HKeMobility” to Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok;

• continuing to progressively take forward the construction works of hillside escalator links and elevator system projects and elevated walkway projects in different districts;

• continuing to take forward the Elevated Pedestrian Corridor in Yuen Long Town Connecting with Long Ping Station project to relieve congestion at footpaths and improve the environment for pedestrians in the district;

• continuing to take forward the proposed footbridge system project in Mong Kok to improve the walking environment; and reviewing the proposed pedestrian environment improvement scheme in Causeway Bay taking into account the latest developments in the area;

• continuing the study on enhancing pedestrian connectivity between Wan Chai and Sheung Wan; and

• continuing with the study to review and improve the assessment mechanism for proposed hillside escalator links and elevator system projects. (THB)

■ Continue to establish “bicycle-friendly” new towns and new development areas to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles by such measures as continuing to improve existing cycle tracks and cycle parking facilities in new towns in phases. (DEVB/THB)

120

■ Continue to take forward the development of the cycle track network in the New Territories and strive to complete the remaining cycle track section of about 10 kilometres from Sheung Shui to Tuen Mun by 2020. As regards the Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun cycle track section, we have just commenced the construction of the section from Tsuen Wan to Bayview Garden and will continue with the detailed design of the Tuen Mun to So Kwun Wat section. We will also continue with the alignment review of the remainder of the Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun section. (DEVB)

Enhancing External Transport Links

■ Continue to improve Hong Kong’s international connectivity, with measures including the timely implementation of the Three-Runway System. (THB)

■ Work with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to implement initiatives to enhance airport capacity and airport services. Subsequent to the commissioning of the Midfield Concourse, the remaining parts of the midfield expansion project will be completed in phases by 2020. (THB)

■ Form new aviation partnership and review air services agreements with our existing partners, with a view to further liberalising our air service regime, thereby supporting the continued growth and development of the local civil aviation industry. Of over 110 Belt and Road (B&R) countries, Hong Kong has signed air services agreements or international air services transit agreements with 45. We will continue with such efforts and seek to discuss air services agreements with other aviation partners along the B&R routes. This will reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub. (THB)

121


■ Support the AAHK in expanding inter-modal connections to strengthen the links between the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and the Pearl River Delta region. The AAHK is actively taking forward the Intermodal Transfer Terminal project with a view to providing air-to-bridge/bridge-to-air bus service that would facilitate the travel of transit passengers between the HKIA and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. (THB)

■ Continue to oversee the construction of the Hong Kong section of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (i.e. the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities and Hong Kong Link Road) and the preparation work for commissioning to dovetail with the commissioning of the Main Bridge within Mainland waters; and continue to oversee the construction of the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link for early commissioning. (THB)

■ Continue to oversee the construction of the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point on Hong Kong side and go full steam ahead with the construction of the connecting road and the Passenger Terminal Building, with a view to completing the works in 2019. (DEVB)

Environmental ProtectionImproving Air Quality

Green Technology, Emissions Standards and Air Quality Objectives

■ Implement new legislation to mandate vessels to use low sulphur fuel within Hong Kong waters from January 2019 onwards. (ENB)

■ Formulate a pilot scheme for local ferries to ascertain the viability of green technologies in the local context. (ENB)

122

■ Promote the use of green technologies in new government vessels to reduce emissions. (ENB)

■ Review the Seventh Technical Memorandum with a view to further tightening the air pollutant emission caps for power companies from 2024 onwards. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Review the scope of the Pilot Green Transport Fund with a view to further facilitating the transport sector’s wider use of green transport technologies. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Continue to implement an incentive-cum-regulatory scheme to phase out progressively by end-2019 some 82 000 highly polluting diesel commercial vehicles which only comply with pre-Euro or Euro I to III emission standards to improve roadside air quality. (ENB)

■ Prepare for the launch of an incentive-cum-regulatory scheme to progressively phase out some 40 000 Euro IV diesel commercial vehicles by end-2023 for further improving roadside air quality. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Prepare for the tightening of the emission standards for newly registered motor cycles to Euro IV in 2020. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Run electric franchised buses on a trial basis. (ENB)

■ Continue to enhance the charging network for electric vehicles. (ENB)

■ Fully fund a trial to ascertain the technical feasibility of retrofitting Euro IV and Euro V franchised buses with enhanced selective catalytic reduction systems to reduce emission of nitrogen oxides. (ENB) (New Initiative)

123


■ Submit the outcome of the review of the Air Quality Objectives to the Advisory Council on the Environment, conduct public consultation and brief the Legislative Council. (ENB)

■ To further reduce the emissions of air pollutants from private cars, the Government will continue to encourage the use of new energy vehicles, with the long term vision that newly registered private cars in Hong Kong should all be new energy vehicles. We aim to consider first ceasing the first registration of diesel private cars after consulting stakeholders. (ENB) (New Initiative)

Regional Co-operation

■ Continue to collaborate with the Guangdong Provincial Government on various fronts to keep improving regional air quality. (ENB)

■ Collaborate with the Guangdong Provincial and Macao SAR Governments to include volatile organic compounds as a regular monitoring parameter in the Pearl River Delta Regional Air Monitoring Network for more in-depth understanding of the causes of ozone pollution to help formulate effective control strategies. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Conduct a joint study with the Guangdong Provincial Government on post-2020 air pollutant emission reduction targets and concentration levels for Hong Kong and Guangdong, in order to continuously improve regional air quality for the protection of public health. (ENB) (New Initiative)

124

Enhancing Waste Management

Reducing Waste and Promoting Recycling

■ Continue with the Food Wise Hong Kong Campaign to promote the “Food Wise” Culture to reduce food waste at source and facilitate food waste recycling, efforts of which include providing appropriate professional support to schools and tertiary institutions for on-site treatment of food waste; and study and formulate new regulatory measures, such as mandatory source separation of food waste starting with the significant food waste generators in the commercial and industrial sectors. (ENB)

■ Examine the expansion of the overall capacity on food waste treatment as soon as possible by applying the food waste/sewage sludge anaerobic co-digestion technology at existing and future sewage treatment works, and continue to identify land for developing the remaining phases of Organic Resources Recovery Centres. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Introduce a pilot scheme to examine the feasibility of implementing government-run food waste collection services in the long run. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Continue to implement administrative regulatory measures to require waste cooking oils produced by local licensed food premises be recycled through legitimate means, and consider amendments to the Waste Disposal Ordinance to strengthen the regulation of waste cooking oils. (ENB/FHB)

125


■ Set up new outreach teams under the Environmental Protection Department, which will educate the public with on-site guidance and hands-on demonstration, and deliver latest and key green messages to the community through regular visits, with a view to strengthening the field support for waste reduction at source and clean recycling, as well as bettering community preparedness for municipal solid waste (MSW) charging. (ENB)

■ Implement MSW charging by introducing the enabling Bill into the Legislative Council in the fourth quarter of 2018 to provide financial incentives to drive behavioural and cultural changes towards sustainable development. (ENB)

■ To complement the implementation of MSW charging, the Government will provide recurrent resources for beefing up various waste reduction and recycling initiatives, with around $300 million to $400 million for 2019-20 financial year to start with, which will be further increased from the financial year when the charging is implemented. This annual provision will be commensurate with the gross revenue to be generated from the charging. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Press ahead with the introduction of the producer responsibility scheme on plastic beverage containers to create a circular economy, including implementation of a pilot scheme on the application of reverse vending machine to assess its effectiveness in collecting waste plastic beverage containers. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Review the operation of the plastic shopping bag charging scheme to enhance its effectiveness on waste reduction. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Continue with the development of Community Green Stations in phases across the territory. (ENB)

126

■ Strengthen collaboration with District Councils and district-based stakeholders, reinforce the promotion of waste reduction at source and clean recycling, and promote the Waste Reduction Guidebook for Large Scale Event Organisers to support government bureaux/departments, quasi-governmental bodies, commercial and industrial sectors, schools, youth groups, community organisations, etc. to continuously improve the environmental performance of their events by practising waste reduction and recovery measures. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Expand the trial scheme on plastic bottles collection and recycling services by the Government under planning to cover all types of non-commercial and non-industrial waste plastics. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Enhance the “theme-based schemes” under the Recycling Fund to cover food waste collection, and include the equipment supporting metal and food waste recycling as a subsidised item under the Recycling Fund. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Install more water dispensers/filling stations in government venues to which members of the public may access, with a view to inculcating a “bring your own bottle” culture and reducing the consumption of plastic bottled water. The initial target is to install 500 water dispensers/filling stations in three years. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Explore requiring restaurant operators in suitable government venues to, where circumstances permit, avoid using disposable plastic tableware. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Work with the food and beverage industry to promote and encourage the avoidance of using disposable plastic tableware. (ENB) (New Initiative)

127


■ Carry out a consultancy study to examine the possible regulatory control on the use of disposable plastic tableware in Hong Kong in the long run, including the scope and means of controls or bans, the applicable substitutes as well as the appropriate legislative framework and control mechanism. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Continue to implement and promote the two mandatory producer responsibility schemes on waste electrical and electronic equipment and glass beverage containers. (ENB)

■ Complete the study and assessment on introducing a mandatory producer responsibility scheme for suitable plastic product containers and set out the way forward. (ENB)

■ Adopt Global Positioning System on construction waste collection vehicles under suitable public works contracts to enhance management of construction waste. (ENB)

Waste-to-energy and Other Waste Treatment Facilities

■ After receiving funding approval from the Legislative Council for Organic Resources Recovery Centre (ORRC) Phase 2, expedite the commencement of the detailed design and construction works. In parallel, we will continue with the engineering feasibility study and environmental impact assessment for ORRC Phase 3. (ENB)

■ Continue with the detailed design and construction works for the Phase 1 Project of the Integrated Waste Management Facilities for commissioning in 2024. (ENB)

■ Continue with the study for the planning of future waste management and transfer facilities to meet Hong Kong’s needs up to 2041. (ENB)

■ Pursue extension of landfills. (ENB)

128

Green Construction and Green Economy

■ Continue with the consultancy study to review the current arrangement under which a development project is only required to register for Building Environment Assessment Method (BEAM) Plus as a prerequisite for application for gross floor area concession for amenity features, with a view to further promoting green buildings in the private market. The consultancy study is expected to be completed in 2019. (DEVB)

■ Actively apply green specifications in government procurement as well as cleansing and vehicle hiring service contracts, while seeking to widen the scope of green procurement in public works projects. In parallel, we will continue to encourage the business sectors and the public to adopt green procurement practices. (ENB)

Devoting Resources to Nature and Countryside Conservation

■ The Countryside Conservation Office will carry out conservation and revitalisation projects in remote countryside, with Lai Chi Wo and Sha Lo Tung as pilot areas, for the long-term sustainable development of remote countryside areas. (ENB)

■ Designate Robin’s Nest as a Country Park and carry out management work from conservation, recreation and education perspectives. (ENB)

■ Continue to implement the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan as Hong Kong’s long-term blueprint for nature conservation and sustainable development. (ENB)

129


■ Strengthen the protection of endangered green turtles by expanding the Sham Wan Restricted Area to cover green turtles’ breeding ground in the adjacent waters. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Step up government actions to enhance cleanup of the shorelines across the territory and regional co-operation in protecting the marine environment; and establish a Clean Shoreline Platform to engage organisations and volunteers that advocate for keeping our shorelines clean, with a view to leveraging community efforts in protecting the marine environment. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Complete the scrutiny of the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources Bill for implementation of the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources in Hong Kong, with a view to contributing to the sustainable use of Antarctic marine living resources and regulating the trading of toothfish. (FHB)

Climate Change

Combating Climate Change

■ Develop a long-term decarbonisation strategy for Hong Kong up to 2050 by inviting the Council for Sustainable Development to conduct a public engagement exercise with a bottom-up approach and active participation by stakeholders. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Support and facilitate participation of the private sector, particularly individuals, in the development of renewable energy (RE), including pursuing legislative amendments to exempt individuals who install small RE systems at their residential premises from the requirements of applying for business registration and filing profits tax returns. (ENB) (New Initiative)

130

■ Suitably relax the restrictions in relation to installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems at the rooftop of New Territories Exempted Houses such that residents may continue to use their roofs for legal purposes while supporting the environmental protection cause. Similarly, we will make appropriate relaxations for other private buildings, in particular the low-rise ones. (ENB/DEVB) (New Initiative)

■ Implement a programme to assist schools (except government and profit-making schools) and non-governmental welfare organisations in installing small RE systems. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Continue to take the lead in developing RE and deploy the earmarked $1 billion for the Government to install RE facilities in government buildings (including government schools), venues and facilities so as to promote the development of RE, reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change. (ENB)

■ Actively pursue major RE projects, including exploring the installation of large-scale floating PV systems at suitable reservoirs and PV panels at landfills. (ENB) (New Initiative)

Energy Conservation

■ Make preparations for conducting retro-commissioning progressively in suitable existing major government buildings to identify energy saving opportunities and enhance energy efficiency; and encourage the carrying out of retro-commissioning in private buildings. (ENB) (New Initiative)

131


■ Bureaux and departments have started to conduct regular carbon audits on major government buildings and will disclose their carbon emission information, with a view to exploring room for carbon reduction. We will continue to provide support to bureaux and departments through, inter alia, organising carbon audit workshops, setting up a technical support hotline and updating carbon audit tools in a timely manner. (ENB)

■ Consider the provision of district cooling systems in new development areas, including the Tung Chung New Town Extension and Kwu Tung North. (ENB)

■ Continue to achieve the target of reducing electricity consumption by 5% for government buildings in the financial years from 2015-16 to 2019-20 under comparable operating conditions (taking the 2013-14 financial year as the baseline). Funding of not less than $500 million has been earmarked for this purpose. (ENB)

132

Treasuring the Water

■ We aim at reducing the per capita fresh water consumption by 10% by 2030 at the earliest, using 2016 as the base year. To achieve this, we will continue to take forward a host of measures, which include enhancing collaboration with various stakeholders; implementing the Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme through legislative amendments; making wider use of Automatic Meter Reading systems to enhance awareness of water conservation; establishing the Water Intelligent Network; and taking specific measures to deal with the leakage problem at private water mains, including providing necessary technical advice and support to property owners and management agents, rendering assistance to the market in developing expertise, stepping up monitoring and enforcement actions, and exploring imposing charges on property owners who fail to rectify the water loss in their private mains according to the amount of estimated water loss through legislative amendments so as to urge them to expedite the rectification of the water loss. (DEVB)

■ Implement asset management and step up leakage control measures for public water mains to ensure reliable supply, with a target to reduce the leakage rate from the current 15% to below 10% on or before 2030. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

■ Continue with the review of the Total Water Management Strategy to ensure sustainable use of precious water resources and timely introduction of new initiatives to strengthen our resilience and preparedness against challenges brought about by climate change. (DEVB)

133


■ Continue with the tendering exercise for the Tseung Kwan O desalination plant and proceed with the construction of its associated infrastructure; carry out infrastructure works for taking forward the initiative of the use of reclaimed water for non-potable purposes in North East New Territories (including Sheung Shui and Fanling); and conduct public consultation on the supply and use of reclaimed water as well as the associated financial and legal framework. (DEVB)

External Lighting

■ Review the effectiveness of the Charter on External Lighting and consider whether legislation should be introduced to control external lighting nuisance. (ENB)

Beautifying Victoria Harbour

■ Continue to plan and progressively implement projects for reducing the discharge of pollutants from either side of Victoria Harbour to protect the environment along its coastlines and address near-shore odour problem, thereby making further improvements in the water quality and cleanliness of the Harbour. (ENB)

■ Continue to monitor and assess the progress of improvement in the water quality of the Victoria Harbour. (ENB)

■ Continue to partner with the Harbourfront Commission in implementing harbourfront enhancement initiatives through the dedicated Harbour Office, including taking forward projects and studies under the $500 million dedicated funding, and trying out different harbourfront management arrangements to broaden participation to parties outside the Government. (DEVB)

134

Urban Forestry■ Formulate an urban forestry management strategy and develop

proper urban arboricultural practices with a holistic approach. We will continue to develop sustainable urban landscapes and draw up guidelines on urban arboriculture. (DEVB)

■ Enhance the planning, design and management of landscape, including the enrichment of vegetation diversity and more diligent vegetation maintenance to improve the outdoor landscape and create quality public space for our community. (DEVB)

■ Continue to promote capacity-building for the arboriculture and horticulture industry and assist the Arboriculture and Horticulture Industry Training Advisory Committee in developing a qualification framework. (DEVB)

■ Raise public awareness on urban forestry, including lifecycle planning and life expectancy for trees and the concept of “Right Tree, Right Place”. (DEVB)

■ Study the application of smart technologies to detect the health and structural conditions of trees more effectively. (DEVB)

■ Undertake studies on the stability of stonewall trees to minimise the risks associated with their uprooting failure. (DEVB)

■ Continue to collaborate with experts on the diagnosis and prevention of Brown Root Rot disease, and develop a Brown Root Rot Disease Operations Manual. (DEVB)

■ Provide more training for property managers and frontline street cleansing staff to enhance their awareness in proper tree care. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

135


■ Study the introduction of a registration system for tree management personnel. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

Sports Development■ Propose to conduct a territory-wide longitudinal Physical Fitness

Survey for the Community to continuously monitor the physical condition of our citizens and identify high-risk groups for non-communicable diseases. This would facilitate the formulation of measures to facilitate the promotion of sports in the community as well as the prevention and early intervention of diseases. (HAB) (New Initiative)

■ Implement the initial phase of measures to enhance the Sports Subvention Scheme by increasing resources for the subvented national sports associations (NSAs) to participate in international competitions and squad training; and increasing subsidy for under-privileged athletes. (HAB) (New Initiative)

■ Allocate $500 million to the Major Sports Events Matching Grant Scheme to enhance the existing matching grant under the “M” Mark System with a view to encouraging more sponsorships from the private, notably the business sector, to support the hosting of more high level major sports events by NSAs. (HAB)

■ Implement the Kai Tak Sports Park project, with the contract expected to be awarded by end-2018 and the construction works anticipated to be completed between 2022 and 2023. The aim is to provide world class facilities for the promotion of holistic sports development, and to attract more international sports events and competitions to Hong Kong. (HAB)

136

■ Continue to implement the Five-year Development Programme for Team Sports, with 2022 Asian Games as the target, under which additional resources from the Arts and Sport Development Fund will be provided to both the sports and members of the Hong Kong representative teams to help them enhance their performance gradually, with a view to enabling them to achieve elite sport status under the new Elite Vote Support System for team sports. (HAB)

■ Support the Hong Kong Sports Institute in studying the strategy for enhancing the training of elite athletes and the relevant initiatives regarding coach training, sports science, sports medicine, etc. We will also inject $6 billion into the Elite Athletes Development Fund and provide additional resources, if necessary, for raising the standards of local athletes. (HAB)

■ Support the long-term development of football by providing funding for the Hong Kong Football Association for the implementation of its five-year strategic plan. (HAB)

■ Implement the following measures based on the recommendations of the consultancy report and comments received in a public consultation on Sport for People with Disabilities in Hong Kong:

• the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will encourage more people with disabilities (PWD) to participate in sports by providing a one-stop information platform, enhancing venue support, organising diversified and suitable programmes, strengthening the liaison network with special schools and providing additional subvention for NSAs for athletes with disabilities;

137


• launching outreach recreation and sports services: working with relevant NSAs for athletes with disabilities and organisations for PWD to provide outreach services, including workshop or centre-based sports activities, so as to help PWD develop healthy sporting habits and save on transport time and arrangements for using sports venues;

• using the 2018 Jakarta Asian Para Games as a pilot run for introducing a full-time athlete system and a Pilot Scheme for Elite Vote Support System for disability sports; and

• assisting the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee to form into an independent body and providing it with subvention in order for it to support athletes with disabilities in a more focused and systematic manner through, inter alia, handling of matters relating to classification of para-sports, promotion and development of different kinds of para-sports of the Paralympic Games, etc., thus further steering them in the direction of elite sports. (HAB)

■ Continue to encourage local universities to undertake applied research relating to sports and to provide necessary funding and support. (HAB)

■ Endeavour to facilitate hosting of mega events and activities, which can attract the general public and tourists, in Kowloon East and co-use of the Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter water body for water recreation activities. (DEVB)

■ Continue to take forward the Five-Year Plan for Sports and Recreational Facilities to increase and enhance the provision of district facilities, with a view to promoting sports for all. (HAB)

138

■ Develop a new intelligent system for Hong Kong’s public sports and recreational services to allow more efficient, convenient and user-friendly booking of the sports and recreational facilities provided by the LCSD, thereby encouraging members of the public to exercise regularly and lead a healthy lifestyle. (HAB)

Testing Centre and Transport Hub for Competition Horses■ Strengthen Hong Kong’s testing services for equine diseases, and

continue collaboration with the Mainland to ensure smooth operation of the Equine Disease Free Zone in Guangdong in connection with the commissioning of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Conghua Racecourse, with a view to facilitating Hong Kong’s development into a testing centre and transport hub for horses for international competitions. (FHB)

Arts and Culture■ Leverage technology to provide innovative services as well as to

enhance the quality, cost-effectiveness and customer friendliness of the facilities and services of public libraries to promote city-wide reading culture and support Hong Kong’s development as a Smart City. (HAB) (New Initiative)

■ Continue to support the training scheme for arts administrators, with a view to grooming more artistic talent and supporting the future development of Hong Kong’s arts and culture. (HAB)

Supporting Arts Groups

■ Provide funding and other support for the major performing arts groups to stage quality performing arts programmes for the community and display the unique arts and cultural landscape of Hong Kong. (HAB)

139


■ Continue to support the Hong Kong Arts Development Council in providing support to small and medium arts groups. (HAB)

■ Continue to implement the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme and Art Development Matching Grants Pilot Scheme to encourage different sectors of the community to sponsor local arts and cultural activities. (HAB)

■ Explore ways to further optimise the Arts and Sports Development Fund (Arts Portion), taking into account the views of the arts sector and the Government’s past experience, with a view to supporting the further development of local arts and cultural organisations that are relatively well. (HAB) (New Initiative)

West Kowloon Cultural District

■ Expedite the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) to establish Hong Kong’s position as a cultural hub and enrich the cultural life of the public:

• monitoring and facilitating the planning, development and operation of arts and cultural facilities by the WKCD Authority; and

• co-ordinating interface issues of the WKCD with the integrated basement, public infrastructure and community facility projects in the vicinity. (HAB)

140

■ Implement the enhanced financial arrangement, and monitor the WKCD Authority’s formulation of Build-Operate-Transfer arrangements for the development of the hotel/office/residential portion of the WKCD jointly with the private sector with a view to supporting the sustainable operation of the WKCD and delivering the remaining arts and cultural facilities under an organic growth approach. (HAB)

Opening Up Arts Space and Providing Facilities

■ Support the Tai Po District Council and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) in converting the premises of a vacant school in Tai Po into an arts centre to provide space for arts development. (HAB)

■ Reserve a certain portion of floor area in the future development at a site in Aberdeen to provide space for the HKADC to support arts development. (HAB)

■ Plan and build new cultural facilities to meet community needs, including the New Territories East Cultural Centre in Area 11 of Fanling (with pre-construction activities scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2022); improve and develop cultural facilities including the expansion of the Hong Kong City Hall and renovation of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on a continuous basis. (HAB)

■ The Hong Kong Museum of Art is in active preparation for opening programmes and large-scale exhibitions to tie in with its re-opening in the second half of 2019. (HAB)

■ Explore the expansion of the Hong Kong Science Museum and Hong Kong Museum of History to upgrade our museum facilities. (HAB) (New Initiative)

141


Promoting Arts and Cultural Programmes and Grooming Art Talent

■ Promote the works of young and talented art practitioners to overseas, Mainland and local communities through:

• various performing and visual arts programmes organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD); and

• acquisition and commissioning of local artists’ artworks by the LCSD. (HAB)

■ The LCSD will revamp the permanent exhibitions of the Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Museum of History and Hong Kong Heritage Museum on a continuous basis to cater for the development of museum services and for audience building. (HAB)

Cultural Exchange

■ Organise Hong Kong Week in some major Mainland cities to showcase the essence of Hong Kong arts. (HAB)

■ Support local artists and arts groups to perform and stage exhibitions on the Mainland and overseas, so as to create more opportunities for local artists. (HAB)

Heritage and HistoryHeritage Conservation

■ Undertake the pre-construction activities of the Heritage Conservation and Resource Centre to enhance the institutional capacity and status of our museums in the acquisition, preservation, research and display of collections. (HAB)

142

■ Under the Built Heritage Conservation Fund, continue to work closely with selected non-profit-making organisations to implement the first five batches of projects under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme, process applications under the Financial Assistance for Maintenance Scheme, and monitor the approved applications under the funding schemes for public engagement projects and thematic research. (DEVB)

■ Continue to organise street carnival activities at the Hollywood Roadareaunder“HeritageVogue•HollywoodRoad”.(DEVB)

■ The Urban Renewal Authority, having conserved the buildings in Wing Lee Street, will carry out further study with a view to revitalising the building clusters with special character and urban fabric under the whole Staunton Street/Wing Lee Street Project (H19) so as to promote place making and synergise with nearby revitalisation projects. (DEVB) (New Initiative)

Intangible Cultural Heritage

■ Expand the capacity of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office to enhance community engagement in the preservation, research, education, promotion and transmission of intangible cultural heritage, as well as to raise public appreciation of local culture and traditions. (HAB)

Civic Affairs and Clean Society■ Work with the Ping Wo Fund Advisory Committee and relevant

stakeholders to implement education and publicity initiatives as well as support services to address gambling problems. (HAB)

143


■ Ride on the momentum of the multi-year and cross-sectoral All for Integrity Programme to launch a series of commemorative events for the 45th anniversary of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), including a series of publicity activities and Open Day, as well as the new ICAC Investigators 2019 television drama series. (ICAC)

■ Promote positive values among young kids through the launching of a two-year Reading for Integrity Project comprising production of picture books and organisation of reading club activities, training for educators and a large-scale reading gala targeting at kindergarten students, their parents and teachers. (ICAC) (New Initiative)

Food Safety and Healthy Eating■ Continue to review the export control of powdered formulae and

explore long-term measures for safeguarding the stability of the local supply of powdered formulae. (FHB)

■ Optimise the information technology systems of the Centre for Food Safety to enhance data collection, analysis, risk assessment and traceability of imported food. (FHB)

■ Continue to review and update local food safety standards and regulatory arrangements, including those concerning harmful substances in food, as well as nutrition and health claims for formula products and prepackaged food for infants and young children. (FHB)

■ Continue to study the feasibility of reprovisioning and expanding the Food Safety Laboratory of the Government Laboratory to enhance its testing capability and operational efficiency for tests relating to food safety. (FHB)

144

■ Continue to implement a strategic plan for reducing the levels of salt and sugar in food to promote healthy eating. (FHB)

Drinking Water Safety■ Continue to implement measures under the Action Plan for

Enhancing Drinking Water Safety in Hong Kong to safeguard drinking water safety. (DEVB)

■ Continue to review and explore practicable options with a view to establishing a drinking water safety regulatory regime suitable for Hong Kong. (DEVB)

■ Continue with the holistic review on the Waterworks Ordinance and Waterworks Regulations to, inter alia, enhance regulatory control of the plumbing materials and the design, construction, inspection and approval of internal plumbing systems and define clearly the roles and responsibilities of the persons undertaking the work in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. We will conduct public consultation on the legislative amendment proposals and submit the proposals for amending the Waterworks Ordinance and Waterworks Regulations in due course. (DEVB)

■ As at end-August 2018, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA)’s contractors have completed over 85% of the rectification works of replacing water pipes inside domestic flats of the 11 affected public rental housing developments with excess lead in drinking water. The HKHA will continue with the rectification works in order to resolve the problem completely as soon as possible. (THB)

145


Municipal Services■ Strengthen efforts to keep Hong Kong clean and enhance

enforcement actions in a comprehensive manner, and promote public awareness of keeping places clean in pursuit of better environmental hygiene. (FHB) (New Initiative)

■ Consult the local communities on site selection for public markets in Tin Shui Wai and Tung Chung, and identify sites for providing public markets in Tseung Kwan O and Kwu Tung North New Development Area. (FHB) (New Initiative)

■ Take forward the burial policy by adopting a three-pronged approach:

• implementing the regulatory regime for private columbaria;

• expediting the development of public columbaria on shortlisted sites across the territory; and

• promoting green burial. (FHB)

■ Step up promotion of green burial, including increasing the number of Gardens of Remembrance, establishing a central register for green burial, and working with various community sectors to boost its popularity. (FHB) (New Initiative)

■ Carry out comprehensive refurbishment works for those public toilets of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department with high utilisation rate or located at tourist hotspots. (FHB) (New Initiative)

146

■ Apply innovation and technology to enhance municipal services by introducing automated cleaning machines and technology for trial use at different venues, with a view to assessing their applicability. (FHB) (New Initiative)

■ Implement the Market Modernisation Programme, and conduct a comprehensive review of existing public markets and formulate specific measures in a systematic manner to improve the facilities and management, including putting in resources to revitalise existing public markets. (FHB)

Live Poultry Trade■ Facilitate relocation of chicken farms to improve their bio-security

measures through amending the relevant legislation, with a view to further enhancing the prevention and control of avian influenza. (FHB) (New Initiative)

■ Implement further bio-security improvement measures along the supply chain and enhance public education on avian influenza prevention. (FHB)

Safe and Quality Living Environment■ Continue with the comprehensive investigation on ageing

pipelines in phases for timely identification of pipelines at high risk of structural failure; and strive to implement a risk-based programme for rehabilitation of aged stormwater drains and sewers. (DEVB/ENB)

147


■ Continue to review and evaluate the revitalisation potential of the major nullahs in Hong Kong with a view to identifying suitable nullahs for revitalisation. The aim is to enhance their ecological value, provide a greener environment, promote water friendliness and improve the community environment for building a liveable city. (DEVB)

■ Continue with the consultancy study for exploring the practicable options for applying the concept of revitalising water bodies to nullahs and river channels when carrying out large-scale drainage improvement works and drainage planning for new development areas. Apart from achieving efficient drainage, the initiative will promote greening, biodiversity, beautification and water friendliness; build sustainable drainage facilities; and provide a better living environment. (DEVB)

■ Further the trial application of low noise road surface to alleviate traffic noise impact and promote sustainable resource management, thereby contributing to a liveable city. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Prepare legislation for implementing the Minamata Convention on Mercury, with a view to protecting public’s health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions of mercury and mercury compounds. (ENB) (New Initiative)

■ Continue with the design of the improvement works for the Yuen Long Town Centre Nullah to enhance the quality of the local environment and the ecological value of the nullah. (DEVB)

■ Continue with the implementation of the Restored Landfill Revitalisation Funding Scheme for early conversion of the restored landfill sites for recreation, sports, environmental protection and other appropriate community uses. (ENB)

148

■ Continue with the Landslip Prevention and Mitigation Programme to:

• upgrade and landscape government man-made slopes;

• mitigate the landslide risk of natural terrain with known hazards; and

• conduct safety screening studies for private slopes. (DEVB)

■ Continue to review the Drainage Master Plans of Lantau and the outlying islands, Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing, North Hong Kong Island, Repulse Bay and Tai Tam to assess the flood risks in these districts and propose improvement measures. (DEVB)

Veterinary Surgeons Board■ Draw up regulations for the election of members from the

veterinary profession to the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong in accordance with the new provisions in the Veterinary Surgeons Registration (Amendment) Ordinance 2015, and support the Board in organising and holding the election. (FHB)

Animal Welfare■ Implement the Animal Watchers Scheme to enlist wider public

support and participation in the fight against cruelty to animals, and set up a taskforce to co-ordinate and deepen the mutual understanding and partnership among relevant stakeholders. (SB) (New Initiative)

■ Amend the responsibility requirement under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) for a driver to stop in case of a traffic incident involving injury to a cat or dog. (FHB) (New Initiative)

149


■ Conduct public consultation on amending the legislation related to animal welfare, including introducing a concept of positive duty of care on animal keepers, and exploring raising the penalty level. (FHB)

150

Documents

Chapter 5 · the concept of “Congestion Charging” and the principle of “Efficiency First” and study the hierarchy and level of tolls of all government tolled tunnels and the